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People: Eket (Eket-Ibibio)
Location: SE Nigeria
Population: 1,000,000
Arts: Because the Eket are so closely related to their larger cousins, the Ibibio, it is difficult in many cases to separate carvings used ceremonially. Like the Ibibio, the powerful Ekpo Society dominates most aspects of village life, and many of the art forms found in "Ekpo" territory overlap stylistically. There are a few sculptural elements, however, that are distinctive enough to link directly to the Eket. The most well-known of Eket forms are the round plaque-like masks used to celebrate yam season, an important event for many Nigerian peoples. The faces of these masks, found also on the rare ancestor statues, are dynamic and powerful, with pursed lips thrust outward, and eyes with dramatic crested brows. Yam masks are also normally found with a surrounding border of colorful incised triangles.
History: It is impossible to separate the history of the Eket from that of the Ibibio. They have lived in the Cross River area of Nigeria for hundreds of years, but most of what is documented was written during colonial times. This area of Nigeria is now, and has been, a turbulent region. In addition to the stresses of being dominated by the Ekpo judicial society, there are also rivalries and clashes between neighboring cultures. The Ibibio and their relatives, the Eket, traditionally have resisted influence from outside groups, and the British, by necessity, allowed the Ekpo to help maintain order during the occupation.
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All text and images are copyright of Africa Direct, Inc. 2006
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